Hey everyone, I have I'd say about MBL relaxed hair. And I really want to get the ends of my hair dip dyed a light brown (my hair is dark). I have done a lot of research about coloring relaxed hair and I know that two chemical processes are bad for the hair. I feel like if I deep condition every week, do the necessary protein treatments, and don't use a lot of heat, my hair will be fine. But I'm still so scared because I love my hair and don't want to lose it. I was wondering if anyone thinks this is a bad idea and that I shouldn't do it. I also was wondering if I flat iron it maybe once every now and then, would it immediately break off? I'm starting to second guess my decision.

It's a terrible idea unless you are willing to lose the hair, you are doing at least three damaging things not two. Light brown from dark would need persulphate bleach not simply peroxide.

Hair is dead so nothing can truly repair it, good deep conditioners primarily help maintain hydration they don't fix the protein structure nor replenish the lipid cuticle glue. You might get away with it if your hair has been babied for some time, that most definitely does not include flat ironing. For a start with flat ironing you need to be bone dry hair or risk bubble hair, even a single session can cause irreparable damage.

Also consider how you will show off your dip dye without quitting or reducing protective styling. Mechanical damage and weathering are an issue for all longer hair but particularly chemically processed - sunlight, brushing, combing, rubbing on clothing/ car seat/ desk chair/ bed linen and so on.

If you are determined start super babying your hair in preparation lay off all heat styling instead practice techniques like wet wrapping. Choose products which are rich in ingredients proven to penetrate or temporarily patch up damage like coconut oil, hydrolysed protein, ceramides and panthenol. These may not be effective if you are using products heavy on ingredients that coat or build up like silicones.

I asked my stylist and she said she wouldn't be using bleach. But if going to light brown would be bad, would going a dark brown be okay?

Originally Posted by TheRealHer

I'd love to know how she can lift multiple shades without persulphates, unless she is using a very high vol peroxide.

I can't tell you if it would be okay since I don't know the true condition of your hair, as I said I would either baby your hair with no heat and proven ingredients in products for a while or get the hair analysis or both.